Month: May 2023

Supporting At-Risk Students: Alternative Provision with Project 25

We know that children and young people who are excluded from school are more likely to have behavioural difficulties, difficulties with peers and attention difficulties. The challenges faced through full and overwhelmed alternative provision providers means there are risks of students not receiving the support they deserve. 

‘By avoiding exclusion and finding other solutions to poor behaviour, schools can help children’s mental health in the future as well as their education.’
– Professor Tasmin Ford

Are you seeking effective alternative provision for students at risk of exclusion? 

Project 25 is a student-focused, and destination-centric work-based learning and employability program. It has proven to be a lifeline for students facing challenges in mainstream education. 

How do we do this?

Our program specifically caters to students with special educational needs (SEN), social, emotional, and mental health difficulties (SEMH), and those considered hardest-to-reach learners. We focus on re-engaging these students by matching them up to an employer between 1-2 days per week with a proven hybrid learning approach. Here’s what’s involved:

• Conduct a series of initial assessments with the student
• Source a placement in line with student interests
• Give students the opportunity to complete a qualification
• Track student progress by completing regular appraisals
• Complete all the relevant checks and risk assessments
• Continue to monitor attendance and provide you with detailed reports

Why enrol your students in Project 25?

Proven Success: Our success rate sets us apart. Project 25 has consistently delivered exceptional outcomes for students, ensuring they stay in education and flourish in their chosen paths.

Cost-Effective Solution: Unlike traditional external provisions that can be expensive, Project 25 offers an affordable alternative. With access starting from just £7 per day, schools can provide the necessary support without straining their budgets.

Comprehensive Support: We provide a holistic approach to alternative provision, consisting of an extended work placement and employability skills. Our customer success managers work closely with schools to match students with suitable employers and oversee their placements. We handle all risk assessments, safeguarding and employer contact to ensure a seamless experience for all involved. Schools can also produce rich reports and clearly evidence the Gatsby Benchmarks via our Connect Software platform.

Real-World Learning: Project 25 offers invaluable work-based placements, allowing students to gain practical skills and experiences. This hands-on approach empowers them to develop vital employment skills and character development, such as motivation, initiative, timekeeping, communication, and interpersonal skills.

We are proud to share that 100% of students enrolled in Project 25 from mainstream provision have successfully avoided permanent exclusion, completed their core GCSEs, and progressed to positive destinations. The program’s impact is remarkable, providing a supportive alternative provision where students can thrive.

What do employers think about Project 25 students? 

‘It’s been very rewarding to see what was classed as a pupil in difficulty through to an employee and an integral part of the company.’

‘A well-mannered young man. He is a punctual and enthusiastic individual who follows instructions well. He works well individually and as part of a team and is happy to help both customers and his co-workers when asked. He’s become a real asset to the team.’ 

‘A fantastic member of the team. He works well with others and is always on hand to help.’

Watch Joe’s experience of his own Project 25 placement, which he recommends highly to fellow students.

With the rising challenges faced by students at risk of exclusion, it’s crucial to provide them with positive experiences that unlock their potential and help build confidence. As the leading work experience provider in the UK, we are dedicated to helping schools make a difference in the lives of their students. By choosing Project 25, you can provide a supportive and engaging environment that empowers at-risk students to reach their full potential.

Ready to transform the lives of your students? 

Contact us today to learn more about how Project 25 can complement your existing support and help your students thrive. 

Call: 08000289088 Email: info@changingeducation.co.uk

Mental Health Awareness Week and Student Mental Health

As a team who cares deeply about the lives of young people, this week we discussed #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek. We explored how we as a company contribute to improving student mental health through the positive effects of work experience and career guidance, and shared our personal experiences with mental health.

Struggling in traditional settings

Hollie knows that self esteem issues and lack of motivation can contribute to disengagement in classroom based learning. She highlights the profound impact work experience had on her journey, confirming her aspirations of working in education and inspiring other young people.

“Our Project 25 program helps struggling students build confidence, motivation, and self-esteem. It sets them back on the right path.”

Sam, drawing from his own mental health journey, urges us to revisit and enhance existing support mechanisms for struggling students. He encourages educators to rethink existing provisions, and expresses his pride in working on Project 25, which directly supports students facing similar challenges.

“I have seen first hand the positive impact it has on students that are really struggling to thrive in the academic setting just like I did.”

Scott recognises that the traditional academic setting may not suit all students. He emphasises the importance of providing quality work placements to engage students and promote a positive outlook on their futures.

“A more vocational approach might just be what these students need to feel engaged and give them a positive outlook on their opportunities moving forwards. All driving towards an improvement in mental health.”

Neurodivergent students and support

Careers advisor Cynthia offered insights on suitable careers for those with ADHD, such as teaching, computer technicians, chef, and sales/customer service roles, and the associated skills.

“ADHD is a form of neurodivergence that can feature inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Those of us with the condition who do not choose the correct type of career can definitely be affected by mental health concerns: feeling we are not achieving well in our work and study. However, if harnessed correctly, these behaviours can make people with ADHD ideal for some jobs.”

Luke challenges us to support students in raising aspirations and providing the necessary support systems. He encourages us to create environments where student mental health can flourish.

“As we adapt to the ‘new normal’ post-pandemic, and having seen first hand the effect this has had on young people’s mental health, I wanted to challenge us all, as we raise awareness for #mentalhealthawarnessweek, to consider how we can support young people to raise aspirations, improve their mental health and provide the ecosystems necessary for them thrive.”

Encouraging positive mindsets

Martin speaks with students in schools everyday, and their positive attitudes make such a difference to his own mindset.

“Talking with students today about #mentalhealthawareness, and how they struggled through Covid, but how they have come back stronger, with positive self belief. It is such a privilege to listen to these stories.”

Heather shares her commitment to helping young people challenge negative self-perceptions and find their paths with confidence. She stresses the importance of providing guidance early on to prevent the stress of uncertain futures.

“It means a lot to me that I can have an impact in helping young people challenge their own negative imagined ideas of themselves.”

Fostering a community

Matthew Hodgkinson, co-founder of our organisation, shares his personal outlook since the pandemic.

“I sit here years later in awe of The Changing Education Group. It’s a community of people who genuinely care about the lives of future generations.”

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Week, the stories we shared as a team remind us of the importance of promoting and actively engaging in helping students with their mental wellbeing. Let’s continue to empower students and the thousands of school staff across the UK who nurture young people’s aspirations.

Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of young people, and create an environment where student mental health is prioritised.

We provide a full range of all-in-one Work Experience and Careers Advice packages for schools and colleges across the UK. With 12+ years of experience in Education and Technology, we give you the right tools and guidance to run the most effective work experience programmes for your students. If you’re interested in a discussion or a demo on any of these services, call or email our team:

Call: 08000289088 Email: info@changingeducation.co.uk